Venice Travel Guide
Venice Through Amelia’s Eyes
The hidden gems, favourite haunts and little moments that make Venice so magical.
Venice is one of those places that never quite loses its magic, no matter how many times you wander its winding streets or hop aboard a vaporetto. From misty mornings and beautiful old palazzos to bustling markets and the occasional wrong turn (which usually leads somewhere wonderful), Venice has a way of keeping you on your toes.
Having spent time living here, I’ve discovered that the real charm of Venice isn’t just in its famous landmarks. It’s in the little things. Although, I must admit, the landmarks are rather spectacular too.
So, here are a few of my favourite things to see, do, eat and drink in this wonderfully eccentric city.
A Little Art, A Little Architecture (And a Lot of Gold)
If there’s one thing Venice knows how to do, it’s make an entrance.
St Mark’s Basilica is quite simply extraordinary. Think glittering golden mosaics, incredible craftsmanship and enough detail to keep you looking up for hours. I was lucky enough to experience a private tour where the mosaics were illuminated by candlelight. Absolutely magical. And if you fancy a little climb, the views from the top across Venice’s rooftops and lagoon are well worth the effort.
Another favourite is the Frari Church, home to two magnificent Titian paintings, The Assumption and The Pesaro Madonna. Then there’s Santa Maria della Salute, whose beautiful dome is one of those sights that makes you stop and think, “I really do live in a postcard.”
For something a little different, head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Modern art, a beautiful waterside palazzo and a wonderfully eclectic collection. What’s not to love?
A Little Sparkle on Murano
Naturally, I couldn’t write about Venice without mentioning a little craftsmanship.
A trip to Murano, the island famous for its glassmaking, is an absolute must. Watching the artisans turn molten glass into the most delicate, intricate creations is mesmerising.
There’s something rather lovely about seeing a craft that’s been passed down through generations. It reminds me so much of jewellery making, where skill, patience and a little bit of magic come together to create something beautiful.
And the island itself? Gorgeous. Perfect for a leisurely wander, preferably with a coffee stop along the way.
Markets, Masks & a Little Venetian Madness
For a glimpse of Venice beyond the postcards, I love an early morning visit to Rialto Market.
It’s wonderfully chaotic in the best possible way. Fishmongers calling out, stalls piled high with fresh produce and locals going about their morning shopping. It’s Venice at its most authentic, and I love it.
Then, of course, there’s Carnival.
If you’ve never experienced Venice during Carnival, imagine elaborate costumes, beautiful masks, an explosion of colour and a healthy dose of theatrical drama. It’s busy, it’s slightly mad, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
Music is another of Venice’s little treasures. There’s something rather special about listening to a concert in a centuries-old church. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the setting… it’s enough to give you goosebumps.
Getting Lost (Without Really Getting Lost)
One of my absolute favourite things about Venice is simply wandering.
No map, no particular destination, just following whichever little street or bridge takes your fancy.
You might stumble across a hidden campo, a tiny café or a beautiful canal with not another person in sight. And the funny thing is, when you live in Venice, you realise you never really get lost. There’s always a familiar landmark or a glimpse of water to point you in the right direction.
And then there are the misty mornings.
When the fog rolls in and the canals begin to disappear, Venice takes on a completely different personality. Buildings slowly emerge from the mist, everything feels wonderfully still, and suddenly you’re in a scene from a rather romantic film.
It’s these moments that make me fall in love with the city all over again.
Of course, you can’t visit Venice without getting out on the water.
A gondola ride is every bit as romantic as you’d imagine, particularly when you escape the busier waterways and glide through the quieter canals.
But my personal favourite? The humble vaporetto.
It’s essentially Venice’s version of a bus, except instead of sitting in traffic, you’re cruising down the Grand Canal past magnificent palazzos and centuries-old churches. Not a bad commute, really.
Now, the Important Part… Food & Drink!
All that exploring calls for a little refreshment, doesn’t it?
Venice has some wonderful places to eat, drink and watch the world go by. Here are a few spots I find myself returning to.
La Zucca
If you love good food, put this one on your list. It’s famous for its pumpkin flan (and rightly so), alongside delicious, imaginative dishes that make vegetables the star of the show. A real favourite.
Harry’s Bar
An absolute Venetian institution. It’s iconic, wonderfully old-school and the perfect excuse for a Bellini. When in Venice…
https://www.cipriani.com/harrys-bar
Rio Novo
For delicious fresh seafood, Rio Novo is a lovely little spot. Just the thing after a day spent wandering the city.
Caffè Florian
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s rather grand. And yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Sitting in St Mark’s Square with a rich hot chocolate, watching the world go by, is one of life’s little luxuries. Especially when you have nowhere else you need to be.
Until Next Time, Venice…
The wonderful thing about Venice is that there’s always something new to discover.
Of course, the grand churches, incredible artwork and beautiful architecture are extraordinary. But more often than not, it’s the smaller moments that stay with me.
The golden glow of candlelit mosaics. A quiet canal on a misty morning. The sound of music drifting through an old church. Or simply watching the sun set over the Grand Canal on the journey home.
Venice is a city that never quite reveals all its secrets.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
